To provide a sturdy structural frame to the house, the architects used repurposed pylons that used to belong to an old railroad bridge.

Located in Colorado’s Elkins Meadow (US), the Reed Residence is a zero-energy cozy shelter for a family of four. Half of the roof is clad with sun-gathering panels and the other half is a luscious green environment for sedums and other succulents. To provide a sturdy structural frame to the house, the architects used repurposed pylons that used to belong to an old railroad bridge.

The shelter’s exterior – and also some of the interior walls – is clad with beautifully aged reclaimed timber on a grey stone base. Big windows around the house bring sunlight in, providing astonishing views of the meadows and green roof. As well as taking energy from the sun through solar panels and a solar thermal system, the home also derives clean energy from the depth of Earth with its own geothermal heat pump.